The Best Mistake of Her Life by Aimee Carson

food was delicious, each course more delicate and flavorful than the one before, but, as far as Memphis was concerned, it was a whole lot of trouble just for one meal. Because while the private dining room’s view of the city slowly changed as the restaurant revolved, the view for Memphis was the same. The couple seated across the table were two of the most self-absorbed people he’d ever encountered. And the pair had no compunction about sharing their opinionated ideas, either.
    “I’m so glad you came tonight,” Tabitha Reed said to Kate, her green eyes sliding to Memphis, but he ignored the suggestive look.
    “We didn’t think you would after what your ex-husband just pulled,” the lady’s husband added. Blond and blue-eyed, Jim Reed sported classic good looks, an apparent indifference for his wife’s wandering eye and a total lack of considerationfor others. “Especially with the whole town talking about the scandal.”
    Kate sent the couple a polite smile they didn’t deserve. “There
is
no scandal.” Her tone was smooth, though Memphis sensed her discomfort. “The media just wants one in order to sell papers.”
    As usual Kate oozed class and a reserved charm as glossy as polished marble. Her simple rose-colored silk dress was elegant, and her wheat-colored hair was coiled at the back of her head, a style that left too much tempting skin of her graceful neck exposed.
    “But your divorce wasn’t final until three months ago,” Tabitha said, either oblivious or not caring she was making Kate uncomfortable. “And Dalton is already engaged to another woman.”
    “We were separated several months before that,” Kate said.
    “Hon,” Tabitha Reed said, brushing a chin-length strand of black hair from her cheek. “I don’t know how you can defend him.”
    “I wish Dalton the best,” Kate said, her expression coolly genuine.
    Tabitha raised a skeptical brow.
    “I truly do,” Kate went on.
    “Well,” Tabitha said, picking up her drink. “I think you’re way too forgiving.”
    Memphis agreed. The insensitivity of the woman was beginning to grate on his nerves.And how could Kate calmly sit there and take all their bullshit?
    “Did you see the picture that was just posted on the reunion website?” Tabitha said.
    The woman’s husband felt inclined to help out. “It’s in the then-and-now section,” he said. “A brilliant addition, by the way. Placing current photos of classmates juxtaposed to their high-school photos should help out at the reunion.” Jim Reed went on, “I wouldn’t recognize some of the people today.”
    “I know,” his wife said, laying a hand on her husband’s arm. She leaned in, addressing their little end-of-the-table foursome conspiratorially. “Did you see the photo of Virginia Torrington? I mean, really,” she said, rolling her eyes. “As if she didn’t go under the knife for that new nose.”
    Memphis had no idea who the lady was referring to, and he sure as heck didn’t care. As far as he was concerned, dessert couldn’t come fast enough.
    “Great idea to get the website up, Kate,” Jim said.
    “Kate’s done a wonderful job as chairperson,” Tabitha Reed gushed, but it was the kind of enthusiasm that left one uneasy.
    “Thank you,” Kate said. “I’ve had a lot of help—”
    “Memphis,” Tabitha interrupted, turning to address him. “You should have seen the fundraiser Kate organized for Dalton last year. It was the talk of the town and well-attended. Idon’t think I’ve ever seen the reception hall at the Samba Hotel look so beautiful.” The black-haired woman beamed her smile in Kate’s direction. “Everything Kate touches turns to gold.”
    Kate’s expression didn’t change, but Memphis could feel the tension rolling off her now. It had started out as slight, but the longer they were held captive in this couple’s conversation, the more strained her smile became. And the more he had trouble keeping his mouth shut.
    “You’re too